Holley fuel pump

ABSTRACT

A vehicular fuel supply system includes a fuel tank within which is situated a fuel pump and electric motor assembly. The fuel pump assembly has an impeller driven by a permanent magnet type of motor provided with a drum type commutator. The entire fuel pump and motor assembly is contained within a housing which provides inlet and outlet passage means disposed on opposite sides of the pump and motor as well as fluid passage means about the motor assembly for permitting the fuel to flow from the housing inlet to the housing outlet.

United States Patent Rhodes et al.

[451 Apr. 25, 1972 HOLLEY FUEL PUMP [721-lnventors: Gerald P. Rhodes,Berkley; Jerome J. Frankowski, Warren; Kenneth C. Bier, BloomfieldHills, all of Mich.

[73] Assignee: Holley Carburetor Company, Warren,

Mich.

[22] Filed: May 20, 1970 [21 Appl. No.: 39,112

[52] U.S.Cl ..417/423,4l5/53T [5 1] Int. Cl .F04b 17/00, F04b 35/04,F04d 5/00 [58] Field 0f Search ..4I7/423, 424;115/53 T; 3 10/87 56] IReferences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,418,991 12/1968 Shultz et al...4l7/423 X 2,696,789 12/1954 Fabig ..415/53 T Primary Examiner-RobertM. Walker Attorney-Walter Potoroka, Sr.

[57] ABSTRACT A vehicular fuel supply system includes a fuel tank withinwhich is situated a fuel pump and electric motor assembly. The fuel pumpassembly has an impeller driven by a permanent magnet type of motorprovided with a drum type commutator. The entire fuel pump and motorassembly is contained within a housing which provides inlet and outletpassage means disposed on opposite sides of the pump and motor as wellas fluid passage means about the motor assembly for permitting the fuelto flow from the housing inlet to the housing outlet.

9. Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEBAPR 2 5 I972 SHEET 10F 4 ,6 m wandm w W WC mfW .ZJ A d 68 n m 0% mmw K PATENTEBAPR 25 I972 3,658,444

SHEET 3 BF 4 306 9 I zml'e'zome Jfi g a 7 Geraid Rhodes ATTORNEYBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various forms and embodiments of fluid pumpshave heretofore been proposed by the prior art. Some of these prior artstructures were intended 'for use in a submerged condition while otherswere not. However, the prior art fluid pumps have not provided anarrangement'wh'ereby a multiplicity of pumping stages could be createdwith the use of a single impeller. Further, prior art pumps were oftenfound lacking in their ability to raise the pumped fluid to a desireddischarge pressure, especially where the physical dimensions of the pumpassembly were relatively small.

Accordingly, the invention as herein disclosed and described isconcerned with the solutions to the above problems or shortcomings ofthe prior art as well as other related problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, a fluid pumpassembly comprises a pump housing, chamber means formed within said pumphousing, a pump impeller situated within said chamber means, means forrotatably driving said pump impeller within said chamber means, saidpump impeller comprising a hub and a plurality of angularly spacedradially extending impeller vanes carried by said hub, said chambermeans comprising at least first and second arcuate pumping chambers,said first and second arcuate pumping chambers being angularly spacedwith respect to each other by first and second dammed portions withinsaid chamber means, each of said arcuate pumping chambers havingradially extending first and second side walls axially spaced from eachother so as to provide a substantial clearance space between side edgesof said impeller vanes, each of said arcuate pumping chambers alsoincluding a generally arcuate outer surface spaced radially outwardly asubstantial distance from the radially outer-most ends of said impellervanes so as to provide a substantial clearance space therebetween, eachof said dammed portions comprising third and fourth side walls axiallyspaced from each other a distance less then the distance by which saidfirst and second side walls are spaced from each other, said third andfourth side walls being spaced from each other so as to have therespective surfaces thereof in close proximity to said side edges ofsaid impeller vanes so as to provide no substantial space therebetween,each of said dammed portions also including a second generally arcuateouter surface radially outwardly of the radially outer-most ends of saidimpeller vanes, each of said second arcuate outer surfaces being formedso as to be in close proximity to said outer-most ends of said impellervanes so as to provide no substantial space therebetween, at least firstand second fluid inlet conduit means formed in said housing forcommunicating fluid to be pumped to said first and second pumpingchambers, said first inlet conduit means having an open first endterminating in a wall of said first pumping chamber, said open first endbeing so located as to be situated at least near a first arcuate end ofsaid first pumping chamber, said second inlet conduit means having anopen second end terminating in a wall of said second pumping chamber,said open second end being so located as to be situated at least near afirst arcuate end of said second pumping chamber, and at least first andsecond fluid outlet conduit means formed in said housing for dischargingpumped fluid from said first and second pumping chambers, said firstfluid outlet conduit means having an open third end terminating in awall of said first pu'mping chamber, said open third end being solocated as to be situated at least near a second arcuate end of saidfirst pumping chamber so as to be spaced a substantial distance fromsaid first open end, said second fluid outlet conduit means having anopen fourth end terminating in a wall of said second pumping chamber,said open fourth end being so located as to be situated at least near asecond arcuate end of said second pumping chamber so as to be spaced asubstantial distance from said second open end, said impeller and vanesbeing efiective upon rotation to cause fluid to flow into saidrespective pumping chambers through-said first and second inlet conduitmeans and to move said fluid within each of said pumping chambers fromthe vicinity of said open ends of said inlet conduit means toward saidopen ends of said outlet ,conduit means, each of said dammed portionsbeing effective by virtue of the closeness of said third and fourth sidewalls and said second generally arcuate outer surfaces to said impellervanes to limit the volume of fluid passing therethrough and therebycause such fluid in excess of said volume to be pumped through said openends of said outlet conduit means.

Various general and specific objects and advantages of the inventionwill become apparent when reference is made to the following detaileddescription considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, wherein, for purposes ofclarity, certain details and elements may be omitted from one or moreviews;

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a vehicular fuel tankcontaining therein a fuel pump and motor assembly enbodying theinvention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged axial cross-sectional view of the pump and motorassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2-A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally on theplane of line 2-A-2-A of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of thearrows;

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views taken respectively on theplanes of lines 3-3, 4-4 and 5-5 of FIG. 2 and looking in the directionof the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally on theplane of line 6-6 of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is a generally axial cross-sectional view taken on the plane ofline 7-7 of FIG. 4 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the pump discharge housing sectiontaken generally on the plane of line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a somewhat exploded view of a second embodiment of theinvention with portions thereof broken away and in cross-section;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical housing of FIG. 9,taken generally on the plane of line 10-10 and looking in the directionof the arrows;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional viewsrespectively taken on the planes of lines 11-11 and 12-12 of FIG. 3 andlooking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on the plane of line13-13 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 14 is a reduced perspective view of the pump inlet housing sectionlooking at it from the side opposite to that shown in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in greater detailto the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates, fragmentarily, a suitable fuel tank10 within which is situated an electric fuel pump assembly 12 carried asby a suitable supposrt 14 secured to a lower side of fuel tank 10. Thefuel pump assembly 12, adapted for 'submergence within the fuel 16contained in tank 10, has an inlet or fuel intake end 18 and a fueldischarge end 20 which, as by means of suitable conduitry 22,communicates with a related fuel-receiving structure, not shown, which,for example, may be the fuel bowl of a carburetor for an internalcombustion engine.

FIG. 2, a generally longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pump andmotor assembly 12 of FIG. 1, illustrates the pump and motor assembly 12as being generally comprised of an outer housing assembly 24 with afirst housing section 25 having a chamber 26 formed therein whichcontains an electric motor assembly 28. As shown motor assembly 28 maybe comprised of a wound armature assembly 30, provided with a coaxialarmature shaft 32, a field magnet 24 and a magnet retaining ring 26. Theright end of armature assembly 30 is provided with a drum typecommutator assembly comprised of a plurality of commutator segments 38which, as in a manner well known in the art, are electricallyinterconnected with windings of the armature and spaced from each otheras to be properly sequentially engaged by radially directed commutatorbrushes 40 and 42 (also see FIG. 6).

A pump assembly 44, located generally within the left end of housing 24,is comprised of a rotatable impeller 46 located within a pump casing 48and operatively connected to the left end of the armature shaft 32. Thepump casing 48 is shown as being comprised ofa pump inlet casing section50 and a pump discharge casing section 52 which, when assembled asshown, define pumping cavities or chambers 53,54 and 56.

The pump inlet casing section 50 has an aperture 58 formed therethroughfor somewhat loosely receiving armature shaft 32 the left end of whichis journalled within a bearing bore 60 formed in the pump dischargecasing section 52. The right end of armature shaft 32 is similarlyjournalled within a bearing bore 62 formed in the first outer housingsection 25. As best shown in FIG. 2, the bearing bores 60 and 62 arerespectively provided with bleed passages 64 and 66 which respectivelycommunicate with the interiod of discharge end 20 and the interior offuel tank 10. Such bleed passages serve to vent or exhaust leakage fuelthat may pass between the armature shaft 32 and respective bores 60 and62 so as to avoid any excessive pressure buildup within such bearingbores. Additionally, bearing bore 62 may be provided with an end thrustbearing ball 68 and spring 70 which combine to resiliently urge theentire motor assembly 28 to the left, as viewed in FIG. 2.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the first or rear outer housing section 25 hasintegrally formed laterally estending body portions 72 and 74 which arerespectively provided with internally formed guideways 76 and 78slideably receiving therein commutator brushes 42 and 48 as well aselectrically conductive spring-like brush biasing members 80 and 82.Slots 84 and 86, formed in body portions 72 and 74, permit the passagetherethrough of fixed contact members 88 and 90, against which thesprings 80 and 82 are respectively seated, which are connected toterminals 92 and 94, embedded at one end within body poetions 72 and 74,adapted for connection to a suitable source of electrical potential.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the pump impeller 46 is shown as beingcomprised of a hub 96 with a plurality of radially outwardly extendingpumping vanes 98 formed or carried thereby. Preferably, such vanes 98are selectively randomly spaced about the outer periphery of hub 96. Thehub 96 may also include an integrally formed inwardly disposed radiatingweb 100 through which is formed a clearance aperture 102 for the passagetherethrough of armature shaft 32. Additionally a plurality of recessesor apertures 104, 106, 108 and 110 are also formed in web 100 so as toaccommodate therein arm portions 112 and 114 of a driver or driving dogmember 116 fixedly secured to and carried by armature shaft 32. As canbest be seen in FIG. 4, the size of apertures 104, 106, 108 and 110 issignificantly larger than arm portions 112 and 114 thereby providing fora general floating type of drive connection therebetween accommodatingfor variations in alignment as may occur during production ofthecoacting components.

As best seen in FIGS. 2,3,4,7 and 8, the pump discharge casing section48 is shown as being of a generally cup-shaped configuration having anaxial end wall 118 formed integrally with a peripheral flange or wall120. The outer or forwardly disposed surface of end wall 118 is providedwith a plurality of radiating rib-like portions 122 which, at theirrespective radially outermost ends, join a segmented circular rib 124which extends generally about the face of end wall 118 so as to have itsradially outermost side adjacent to or coincident with the outerperipheral surface 126 of cylindrical wall 120. A second set ofsegmented circular ribs 128, arranged in alternating relationship withcircular ribs 124, are also joined to radiating ribe 122 but disposed adistance closer to the centerline of housing section 48 than circularribs 124 thereby defining arcuate recess portions 130, 132 and 134 forthe respective reception therein of cooperating arcuate locating bossesor portions 136, 138 and 140 formed internally of the forwardly disposedsecond outer housing section 20.

As best seen in FIGS. 2,7 and 8 the pump discharge housing section 48 isprovided with a circular shoulder portion 142, formed generally radiallyinwardly of the tubular wall 120, which, as shown in FIG. 2, is, uponassembly, adapted to receivingly engage a cooperating portion of thepump inlet housing section 50.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, it can be seen that the inner face 119 ofend wall 118 has an annular ring 144 formed thereon with a facingsurface 146 substantially normal to the axis of housing section 48.Additionally, angularly spaced radiating arm-like portions 148, 150 and152 are also formed on the inner face of wall 118 so as to be integrallyjoined at their respective opposite ends to the ring 144 and the tubularwall portion 120. Such arms 148, 150 and 152 also are provided withrespective facing surfaces 154, 156 and 158 which are coplanar andcoextensive with ring facing surface 146. As will become apparent, theradial edge-surface 160 of arm 152, the radially outer arcuate surfacesegment 166 of tubular wall 120 along with the portion of surface 119contained therewithin comprise a portion of pumping chamber 53; theradial edge surface 168 of arm 148, the radially outer arcuate surfacesegment 170 of ring 144, the radial edge surface 172 of arm 150 and theradially inner arcuate surface segment 174 of tubular wall 120 alongwith the portion of surface 119 contained therewithin comprise a portionof pumping chamber 56; while the radial edge surface 176 of arm 150, theradially outer arcuate surface segment 178 of ring 144, the radial edgesurface 180 of arm 158, and the radially inner arcuate surface segment182 of tubular wall 120 along with the portion of surface 119 containedtherewithin comprise a portion of pumping chamber 54.

The pump inlet housing section 50, is shown in FIGS. 5 and 14 as beingcomprised of an axial wall 184 formed integrally with a peripheralflange 186. The outer or rearwardly disposed surface 188 of wall 184 isprovided with a plurality of angularly spaced axially extending strutsor supports 190, 192 and 194 which are respectively joined at their oneends to a cuplike portion 196. An annular recess or shoulder portion 198is adapted to, upon assembly, receive therein the projecting portion 200of pump discharge casing section 48 as shown in FIG. 2. The recess 198may be interrupted as by a locating type boss or tab 202 which, uponassembly with the pump discharge casing 48, is adapted to engage and bereceived within one of the discharge slots to be described.

The inner face 204 of wall 184 has an annular ring 206 formed thereonwith a facing surface 208 substantially normal to the axis of housingsection 50. Additionally, angularly spaced radiating arm-like portions210, 212 and 124 are also formed on the inner face of wall 184 so as tobe integrally joined at their respective opposite ends to the ring 206as well as to an outer ring portion 216. Such arm portions 210, 212 and124 also are provided with respective facing surfaces 218, 220 and 222which are coplanar and coextensive with ring facing surfacd 208.

As will become apparent, the radial edge or side surface 224 of arm 210,the radially outer arcuate surface segment 226 of ring 206, the radialedge or side surface 228 of arm 212 and the radially inner arcuatesurface segment 230 of outer ring 216 along with the portion of surface204 contained therewithin comprise a portion of pumping chamber 53; theradial edge or side surface 232 of arm 212, the radially outer arcuatesurface segment 234 of ring 206, the radial edge or side surface 236 ofarm 214 and the radially inner arcuate surface segment 238 of outer ring216 along with the portion of surface 204 contained therewith comprise aportion of pumping chamber 54; while the radial edge or side surface 240of arm 214, the radially outer arcuate surface segment 242 of ring 206,the radial edge or side surface 244 of arm 210 and the radially innerarcuate surface segment 246 of outer ring 216 along with the portion ofsurface 204 contained therewithin comprise a portion of pumping chamber56. Further, as seen in each of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 14, wall 184 ofpump casing section 50 has a plurality of apertures 248, 250 and 252formed therethrough which respectively serve as inlet apertures tochambers 53, 54 and 56.

As best seen in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8, the pump discharge housing section48 is provided with a-plurality of slot-like openings 254 256 and 258each of which has a radial crosssectional configurationas typicallyillustrated by 254 in FIG. 7

Referring to each of FIGS. 2,3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, it can be seen that oncethe motor assembly 28 is placed within outer housing section 25, thepump assembly may be easily placed and assembled within housing section25. For example, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the innerdiameter of outer housing section 26 closely receives therein the outerdiameter of the pump inlet housing section 50 in a manner so as to havethe support struts 190, 192 and 194 directed toward the motor assembly28.-Preferably the interior of outer or rear housing section 25 isprovided with a plurality of angularly spaced longitudinally extendingrib-like portions 260 which terminate at one end as at 262 therebyproviding an effective abutment shoulder against which the pump inlethousing section 50 can be located. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2-A, suchriblike portions 260 are of a size and configuration as to suitablycontain, therebetween the magnet retainer 36 of motor assembly 28.Further, because of the angular spacing between successive ribs 260(there being three of such in the preferred embodiment) thelongitudinally extending spaces, defined therebetween and between theinner diameter of housing 28 and the outer diameter of magnet retainer36, function as conduit means for completing communication between theinlet conduit 27, chamber 26 and chamber area 29 generally between motorassembly 28 and pump inlet casing section 50.

With casing section 50 situated within outer or rear housing section 25,and motor shaft 32 extending through aperture 58, the driving dog 116may then be pressed or otherwise assembled to said shaft 32 so as to begenerally situated within cupshaped protion 196 and having its arms 112and 114 projecting therefrom. Next, the impeller 46 is slipped ontoshaft 32 in a manner causing the arms 112 and 114 to become engagedwithin, for example, apertures 106, 110 as shown in FIGS. 2

and 4. Following this; the pump discharge casing sections 48 is slidinto read housing section 25 thereby causing its outer diameter to beclosely received within the inner diameter of rear housing 25 as shownin both FIGS. 2 and 4. In so assembling the discharge casing 48, it isrotated about its axis of revolution until the tab or locating abutment202 of inlet casing is received within one of the slots 254, 256 or 258of discharge casing 48 at which time the shoulder 142 and recess 198 ofcasings 48 and 50, respectively, join in mating relationships asindicated in FIG. 2.

From an inspection of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, it can be seen thatwhen the inlet and discharge casings 48 and 50 are assembled, arcuatesurface segments 166, 174 and 182 of discharge casing 48 and arcuatesurface segments 230, 238 and 246 of casing 50 become located on acommon circle; similarly, arcuate surface segments 162, 170 and 178 ofinner ring 144 and arcuate surface segments 226, 234 and 242 of innerring 206 also become located on a common circle; further respective edgeor side surfaces of the radiating arms of inlet casing 50 and outletcasing 48 become coplanar. That is, for example, surfaces 160 and 180(FIG. 8) become coplanar with 228, 232 (FIG. 5) surfaces 164, 168 (FIG.8) are aligned with surfaces 224, 240 (FIG. 5) while surfaces 172, 176(FIG. 8) become aligned with surfaces 240, 236 (FIG. 5).

As is illustrated by the same Figures as well as FIGS. 11, 12 and 13,when assembled, the outer diameter of hub 96 is preferably so that italso comes on the same circle containing arcuate segments 226, 234, 242(FIG. 5) as well as segments 162, 170 and 178 (FIG. 8). Further, as isbest shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 11 and 12, there is a considerable diametricalclearance between the respective vanes 98 of the impeller 46 and theouter arcuate confines of the respective pumping chambers 53, 56 and 54as the impeller 46 is rotated (the direction of rotation as viewed ineither of FIGS. 3, 4 or 5 being counterclockwise). However, as is bestshown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, each of the radiating arms 148, 150 and 152is provided with an integrally formed prjection 270 respectively havingan arcuate surface 272 closely juxtaposed to the free ends of vanes 98.Accordingly, it can be seen that as the impeller 46 is rotated the vanes98 pass from a pumping chamber where there is substantial radialclearance to a location where the free ends of such vanes pass in atleast very close clearance to one of the surfaces 272. As typicallyillustrated in FIG. 11, whenever the blades or vanes 98 pass in closeproximity to a surface 272 such blades are also closely confined onopposite axial edges as by surfaces 154 and 218. The efiect of suchsurfaces 272, 154 and 218 is to provide a dammed area and reduce thevolume of the space through which such vanes are passing.

In comparison, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when the vanes 98 are passingthrough, for example, the pumping chamber 53, the axial edges of thevanes are spaced a substantial distance from the axial confining walls119 and 204 and the radial outermost end of the vanes 98 is also spaceda considerable distance away from the arcuate confining surface 166.

Accordingly, it can be seen that as the vanes 98 pass through therespective pumping chambers and enter the vicinity of the radial arms148 and 210, the confining or dammed effect at the area of such radialarms causes an increased pressure to exist in the area of such radialarms. Consequently, it can be seen that there will be a pressuregradient existing generally within each of the pumping chambers with alesser pressure in the area of the respective inlet apertures 248, 250and 252 while a higher pressure is developed within such respectivepumping chambers adjacent to the next radial arms, comprising dammedportions, in the direction of rotation of the impeller 48.

As a result of this pressure gradient, fuel is taken into the pumpingchambers 53, 56 and 54 by means of inlet conduits 248, 252 and 250,respectively, while the fuel within such pumping chambers 53, 56 and 54is subsequently pumped out of openings or slots 256, 258 and 254,respectively. The various slots 256, 258 and 254 as typicallyillustrated in FIG. 13 by slot 258, each, in combination with theinterior surface of the outer housing 25, define an outlet conduit orpassage leading to and communicating with the interior chamber 21 ofoutlet or forward outer housing section 20 from where such fuel flowsinto the conduit portion 23 and ultimately to conduit 22 leading to anassociated fuel consuming device.

In view of the above, it can be seen that with the pump and motorassembly 12 being situated within the fuel tank 10, and with the motorassembly 28 being energized, fuel would be drawn, through a suitablefilter l9 and into conduit 27 (which, in turn, may contain suitableflame arrestor 31 as is well known in the art) from where it flows intochamber 26 and through the axially extending spaces, between theretainer ring 26 and the inner surface of housing section 25, which areangularly spaced generally between ribs 260. Such fuel then flows intothe forwardly located chamber 29 and subsequently through inletapertures or conduits 248, 250 and 252 into the respective pumpingchambers 53, 54 and 56 where such fuel is acted upon by the rotatingimpeller 46 and caused to be pumped into chamber 21 via respective slotcreated passageways 256, 254 and 258, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the interior of the rearwardly disposed housingsection 25 is provided with a radially inwardly directed body portion270 formed to have a generally axially extending tang-like portion 272which is adapted to be received as within a slot 274 formed in therearwardly disposed end of magnet retainer 36. The provision of such acooperating slot 274 and tang 272 prevent rotation of the magnet 34 andretainer 36 relative to the housing section 25.

As is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 14, the pump inlet housing section 50includes projecting leg members 190, 192 and 194 each of which, in turn,has formed thereon a stepped arcuate surface 276 and a shoulder 278. Asshown in FIG. 2, when the pump inlet housing section 50 is properlysituated within outer housing section 25, the arcuate surfaces 276function to engage the inner diameter of the magnet retainer ring 36while the shoulder portions 278 serve to assure that the magnet retainerring is properly axially seated against the inwardly depending bodyportion 270.

FIG. 9 illustrates, in somewhat simplified manner, a second embodimentof the invention wherein a pump assembly 280 is comprised of a generallycylindrical housing 282 with axial end members 284 and 286 (with member284 being shown in exploded position) which when assembled to thehousing 287 define a general chamber for the containment therein of animpeller 288 which may be mounted for rotation as on a shaft 290journalled in bearing surfaces 292 and 294 formed in end wall members284 and 286,

End wall member 284 is provided with annular stepped surfaces 296,298and 300 while end wall member 286 is similarly provided with steppedannular surfaces 296a, 298a and 300a. At assembly, stepped surfaces 296and 298 of end wall 284 respectively seat against cooperating annularsurfaces 302 and 304 of cylindrical housing 282 while surface 300 isreceived generally within the confines of cylindrical surface 306 ofhousing 282, as will become apparent, by having shoulder portion 301closely received by the cylindrical surface 306.

As will be noted, the cylindrical surface 306 has formed therein,diametrically opposed and radially inwardly directed portions 308 and310 having arcuate surfaces 312 and 314 serving the same function as,for example, surfaces 272 of HO. 1. The axial length of cylindricalsurface 306 so as to have the respective ends thereof, such as shown byends 316 and 318 spaced inwardly of the surface 304.

Surface 300, on end member 284, has a ring-like portion 320 and radiallyextending diametrically opposed arms 322 and 324 with a coplanar surface326. The diameter of ring-like portion 320 is substantially equal to thedrum portion 287 of impeller 288 carrying the vanes 289 thereon.Accordingly, when assembled, the surface portion 326 on ring 320 is inclose proximity to the opposed side edges of the vanes 289 as they arerotated thereby. ln assembling, arms 322 and 324 are so positioned as tohave their outer-most ends thereof juxtaposed to the inset ends 316 and318 of portions 308 and 310. Like or similar portions of end member 286are identified with like reference numbers with a suffix a and theassembly thereof to housing 282 is like that as explained with referenceto end wall 284 except from the opposite end of the housing 282.

in view of the preceding, as well as in view of the discussion relativeto the first embodiment of the invention, it can be seen that uponassembly of the components, two pumping chambers are defined which arediametrically opposed on opposite sides of the portions 308 and 310.With this arrangement, suitable conduits 330, 332, 334 and 336 can beprovided which would communicate with the interior of the pump assemblyas by having conduits 330 and 332 angularly spaced from each other andcommunicating with a first of the two pumping chambers and conduits 334and 336 angularly spaced from each other and communicating with thesecond of the two pumping chambers. If the direction of rotation ofimpeller 288 is assumed to be in the direction of arrow 328 and conduit330 assumed to be the fluid inlet, then it can be seen that if conduits332 and 334 are interconnected by suitable conduitry 338, fluid wouldfirst enter the first pumping chamber via conduit 330 and be expelled orpumped out of conduit 332 from where such fluid, now under increasedpressure, would flow via conduit means 338 to the inlet conduit 334 forthe second pumping chamber where the fluid would be again raised inpressure and discharged through conduit 336 to be employed whereverdesired. Accordingly, it can be seen that the invention provides meanswhereby the final pressure of the pumped fluid can be significantlyraised by creating a simple series pumping system employing a singlepump rotor or impeller.

In view of the above it should be apparent that, in view of for example,FIGS. 1-8 illustrating one embodiment of the invention and FIGS. 9 and10 illustrating a second embodiment of the invention, each configurationprovides a pump assembly having a plurality of pumping stages which,depending upon the pumping performance desired, can be arranged ineither parallel or series pumping relationships.

Although only two embodiments ofthe invention have been disclosed anddescribed, it is apparent that other embodiments and modifications ofthe invention are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

lclaim:

l. A fluid pump assembly, comprising a pump housing, chamber meansformed within said pump housing, a pump impeller situated within saidchamber means, means for rotatably driving said pump impeller withinsaid chamber means, said pump impeller comprising a hub and a pluralityof angularly spaced radially extending impeller vanes carried by saidhub, said chamber means comprising at least first and second arcuatepumping chambers, said first and second arcuate pumping chambers beingangularly spaced with respect to each other by first and second dammedportions within said chamber means, each of said arcuate pumpingchambers having radially extending first and second side walls axiallyspaced from each other so as to provide a substantial clearance spacebetween side edges of said impeller vanes, each of said arcuate pumpingchambers also including a generally arcuate outer surface spacedradially outwardly a substantial distance from the radially outer-mostends of said impeller vanes so as to provide a substantial clearancespace therebetween, each of said dammed portions comprising third andfourth side walls axially spaced from each other a distance less thanthe distance by which said first and second side walls are spaced fromeach other, said third and fourth side walls being spaced from eachother so as to have the respective surfaces thereof in close proximityto said side edges of said impeller vanes so as to provide nosubstantial space therebetween, each of said dammed portions alsoincluding a second generally arcuate outer surface radially outwardly ofthe radially outer-most ends of said impeller vanes, each of said secondarcuate outer surfaces being formed so as to be in close proximity tosaid outer-most ends of said impeller vanes so as to provide nosubstantial space therebetween, at least first and second fluid inletconduit means formed in said housing for communicating fluid to bepumped to said first and second pumping chambers, said first inletconduit means having an open first end terminating in a wall of saidfirst pumping chamber, said open first end being so located as to besituated at least near a first arcuate end of said first pumpingchamber, said second inlet conduit means having an open second endterminating in a wall of said second pumping chamber, said open secondend being so located as to be situated at least near a first arcuate endof said second pumping chamber, and at least first and second fluidoutlet conduit means formed in said housing for discharging pumped fluidfrom said first and second pumping chambers, said first fluid outletconduit means having an open third end terminating in a wall of saidfirst pumping chamber, said open third end being so located as to besituated at least near a second arcuate end of said first pumpingchamber so as to be spaced a substantial distance from said first openend, said second fluid outlet conduit means having an open fourth endterminating in a wall of said second pumping chamber, said open fourthend being so located as to be situated at least near a second arcuateend of said second pumping chamber so as to be spaced a substantialdistance from said second open end, said impeller and vanes beingeffective upon rotation to cause fluid to flow into said respectivepumping chambers through said first and second inlet conduit means andto move said fluid within each of said pumping chambers from thevicinity of said open ends of said inlet conduit means toward said openends of said outlet conduit means, each of said dammed portions beingeffective by virtue of the closeness of said third and fourth side wallsand said second generally arcuate outer surfaces to said impeller vanesto limit the volume of fluid passing therethrough and thereby cause suchfluid in excess of said volume to be pumped through said open ends ofsaid outlet conduit means.

2. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first fluidoutlet conduit means is in communication with said second fluid inletconduit means.

3. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first fluidoutlet conduit means is in communication with said second fluid inletconduit means, and wherein said second fluid outlet conduit means is incommunication with associated fluid-consuming means.

4. A fluid pump assembly according to claim I, wherein said first andsecond fluid inlet conduit means are each in communication witha supplyof relatively low pressure fluid, and wherein said first and secondfluid outlet conduit means are each in communication with an associatedfluid-consuming area.

5. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pump housingcomprises a pump discharge housing section and a pump inlet housingsection, wherein said first and second fluid inlet conduit means areformed in said pump inlet housing section, and wherein said first andsecond fluid outlet conduit means are formed in said pump dischargehousing sectron.

6. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pump housingis received within an outer housing assembly, wherein said pump housingcomprises a pump discharge housing section and a pump inlet housingsection, wherein said first and second fluid inlet conduit means areformed in said pump inlet housing section, and wherein said first andsecond fluid outlet conduit means are formed in said pump dischargehousing section, said first and second fluid outlet conduit meanscomprising radially directed axially extending slots formed in said pumpoutlet housing section, each of said slots extending to and terminatingin juxtaposed relationship to an interior wall surface of said outerhousing assembly whereby said interior wall surface and the surfaces ofeach of said slots com bine to direct fluid flow from said respectivepumping chambers.

7. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pump housingis received within an outer housing assembly, wherein said outer housingassembly comprises an outer housing section, wherein said pump housingcomprises a pump discharge casing and a pump inlet casing, wherein saidfirst and second fluid inlet conduit means are formed in said pump inletcasing, and wherein said first and second fluid outlet conduit means areformed in said pump discharge casing, said outer housing sectioncontaining a permanent magnet electric motor therein, a magnet retainerring positioned generally about said permanent magnet so as to bebetween said permanent magnet and the interior surface of said outerhousing section, a plurality of angularly sapced axially extendingsupporting ribs formed on said interior surface of said outer housingsection and projecting radially inwardly thereof so as to provideperipheral support for said magnet retainer ring, and wherein said pumpinlet casing includes supporting surface means for operatively engagingone axial end of said magnet retainer ring.

8. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 7, wherein said outerhousing section includes an inlet passage formed at one end thereof forcommunication with a source of fluid, wherein said pump inlet casing andsaid pump discharge casing are received in an end of said outer housingsection opposite to said one end, and wherein said permanent magnet issituated generally between said inlet passage and said pump inlet cas- 5A fluid pump assembly according to claim 8, wherein said supportingsurface means on said pump inlet casing comprises angularly spacedaxially extending support struts carried by a wall of said pump inletcasing and extending therefrom so as to terminate in respective freeends, each of said free ends including a stepped-like surface forengaging said one axila end of said retainer ring, said support strutsbeing capable of at least limited deflection in order to achieve seatedengagement with said retainer ring.

1. A fluid pump assembly, comprising a pump housing, chamber meansformed within said pump housing, a pump impeller situated within saidchamber means, means for rotatably driving said pump impeller withinsaid chamber means, said pump impeller comprising a hub and a pluralityof angularly spaced radially extending impeller vanes carried by saidhub, said chamber means comprising at least first and second arcuatepumping chambers, said first and second arcuate pumping chambers beingangularly spaced with respect to each other by first and second dammedportions within said chamber means, each of said arcuate pumpingchambers having radially extending first and second side walls axiallyspaced from each other so as to provide a substantial clearance spacebetween side edges of said impeller vanes, each of saId arcuate pumpingchambers also including a generally arcuate outer surface spacedradially outwardly a substantial distance from the radially outer-mostends of said impeller vanes so as to provide a substantial clearancespace therebetween, each of said dammed portions comprising third andfourth side walls axially spaced from each other a distance less thanthe distance by which said first and second side walls are spaced fromeach other, said third and fourth side walls being spaced from eachother so as to have the respective surfaces thereof in close proximityto said side edges of said impeller vanes so as to provide nosubstantial space therebetween, each of said dammed portions alsoincluding a second generally arcuate outer surface radially outwardly ofthe radially outer-most ends of said impeller vanes, each of said secondarcuate outer surfaces being formed so as to be in close proximity tosaid outer-most ends of said impeller vanes so as to provide nosubstantial space therebetween, at least first and second fluid inletconduit means formed in said housing for communicating fluid to bepumped to said first and second pumping chambers, said first inletconduit means having an open first end terminating in a wall of saidfirst pumping chamber, said open first end being so located as to besituated at least near a first arcuate end of said first pumpingchamber, said second inlet conduit means having an open second endterminating in a wall of said second pumping chamber, said open secondend being so located as to be situated at least near a first arcuate endof said second pumping chamber, and at least first and second fluidoutlet conduit means formed in said housing for discharging pumped fluidfrom said first and second pumping chambers, said first fluid outletconduit means having an open third end terminating in a wall of saidfirst pumping chamber, said open third end being so located as to besituated at least near a second arcuate end of said first pumpingchamber so as to be spaced a substantial distance from said first openend, said second fluid outlet conduit means having an open fourth endterminating in a wall of said second pumping chamber, said open fourthend being so located as to be situated at least near a second arcuateend of said second pumping chamber so as to be spaced a substantialdistance from said second open end, said impeller and vanes beingeffective upon rotation to cause fluid to flow into said respectivepumping chambers through said first and second inlet conduit means andto move said fluid within each of said pumping chambers from thevicinity of said open ends of said inlet conduit means toward said openends of said outlet conduit means, each of said dammed portions beingeffective by virtue of the closeness of said third and fourth side wallsand said second generally arcuate outer surfaces to said impeller vanesto limit the volume of fluid passing therethrough and thereby cause suchfluid in excess of said volume to be pumped through said open ends ofsaid outlet conduit means.
 2. A fluid pump assembly according to claim1, wherein said first fluid outlet conduit means is in communicationwith said second fluid inlet conduit means.
 3. A fluid pump assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein said first fluid outlet conduit means isin communication with said second fluid inlet conduit means, and whereinsaid second fluid outlet conduit means is in communication withassociated fluid-consuming means.
 4. A fluid pump assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said first and second fluid inlet conduit means areeach in communication with a supply of relatively low pressure fluid,and wherein said first and second fluid outlet conduit means are each incommunication with an associated fluid-consuming area.
 5. A fluid pumpassembly according to claim 1, wherein said pump housing comprises apump discharge housing section and a pump inlet housing section, whereinsaid first and second fluid inlet condUit means are formed in said pumpinlet housing section, and wherein said first and second fluid outletconduit means are formed in said pump discharge housing section.
 6. Afluid pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pump housing isreceived within an outer housing assembly, wherein said pump housingcomprises a pump discharge housing section and a pump inlet housingsection, wherein said first and second fluid inlet conduit means areformed in said pump inlet housing section, and wherein said first andsecond fluid outlet conduit means are formed in said pump dischargehousing section, said first and second fluid outlet conduit meanscomprising radially directed axially extending slots formed in said pumpoutlet housing section, each of said slots extending to and terminatingin juxtaposed relationship to an interior wall surface of said outerhousing assembly whereby said interior wall surface and the surfaces ofeach of said slots combine to direct fluid flow from said respectivepumping chambers.
 7. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 1, whereinsaid pump housing is received within an outer housing assembly, whereinsaid outer housing assembly comprises an outer housing section, whereinsaid pump housing comprises a pump discharge casing and a pump inletcasing, wherein said first and second fluid inlet conduit means areformed in said pump inlet casing, and wherein said first and secondfluid outlet conduit means are formed in said pump discharge casing,said outer housing section containing a permanent magnet electric motortherein, a magnet retainer ring positioned generally about saidpermanent magnet so as to be between said permanent magnet and theinterior surface of said outer housing section, a plurality of angularlysapced axially extending supporting ribs formed on said interior surfaceof said outer housing section and projecting radially inwardly thereofso as to provide peripheral support for said magnet retainer ring, andwherein said pump inlet casing includes supporting surface means foroperatively engaging one axial end of said magnet retainer ring.
 8. Afluid pump assembly according to claim 7, wherein said outer housingsection includes an inlet passage formed at one end thereof forcommunication with a source of fluid, wherein said pump inlet casing andsaid pump discharge casing are received in an end of said outer housingsection opposite to said one end, and wherein said permanent magnet issituated generally between said inlet passage and said pump inletcasing.
 9. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 8, wherein saidsupporting surface means on said pump inlet casing comprises angularlyspaced axially extending support struts carried by a wall of said pumpinlet casing and extending therefrom so as to terminate in respectivefree ends, each of said free ends including a stepped-like surface forengaging said one axila end of said retainer ring, said support strutsbeing capable of at least limited deflection in order to achieve seatedengagement with said retainer ring.